Recovery Plan for the Gaza Strip Announced

On Wednesday, President Trump’s Board of Peace revealed a comprehensive recovery strategy for the Gaza Strip, with the initial phase projected to cost $2.45 billion over six months.

This plan, introduced during discussions at the United Nations General Assembly in Manhattan, outlines 66 initiatives targeting infrastructure development, economic stimulation, and the establishment of an international security presence.

The total estimated cost for the complete reconstruction is around $71 billion.

“The recovery needs to be driven by the Palestinians, fostering true collaboration. Both local and central authorities, the private sector, civil organizations, and impacted communities must engage at each phase,” stated Ali Shaath, chief commissioner for the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, in a brief overview of the plan.

“This is not a mere wish list. Each initiative has been thoroughly evaluated, priced, and prioritized. We are seeking political backing, the removal of barriers, and the pooling of resources behind a unified approach,” he added.

Included in the recovery efforts are funding for humanitarian shelters to replace temporary accommodations, debris removal, the rehabilitation of hospitals, and the construction of desalination plants to address water shortages.

US special envoy Jared Kushner highlighted the progress made since the conflict began, recalling, “A year ago, none of this was in place; the Board of Peace didn’t exist, nor did the International Stabilization Force or any national committee for Gaza.”

He portrayed the undertaking as a remarkable initiative akin to establishing a substantial startup, noting that it’s emerging from a sincere commitment to achieving peace and progress. “It’s about creating a framework that empowers the Palestinian people in Gaza to improve their living conditions and overall quality of life,” Kushner remarked.

According to Tony Blair, a member of the Board of Peace and former UK Prime Minister, the ongoing conflict with Hamas has resulted in approximately $35.2 billion in damages within the Gaza region.

Blair pointed out a cohesive vision for Gaza’s future emerged, aiming to end the ongoing cycle of violence rather than perpetuate it. He mentioned a newly proposed interim government in Gaza, which would be Palestinian-led and supported internationally. Additionally, he emphasized the need for the demilitarization of Gaza facilitated by the International Stability Force alongside a new civil police force, both agreed upon with Israel.

The reconstruction plans involve contributions from over 25 countries and 75 organizations, with up to $18 billion in funding commitments already secured.

Before commencing reconstruction, around 250,000 members of the International Stability Force will systematically enter Gaza to oversee the demilitarization and disarmament of Hamas’ arsenal.

Kushner confirmed that Hamas has consented to relinquish its weapons, emphasizing, however, the necessity of implementing this agreement.

US Army General Jasper Jeffers, currently leading the ISF, reported that, of the over 250,000 applicants for a Gazan police force, 19,000 have been vetted and commenced initial training. However, he acknowledged that the situation is quite complex.

“We’re diligently working on a sector-by-sector military technical plan,” Jeffers explained, stressing that all weapons, tunnels, and related infrastructure must be neutralized. “The national committee and their vetted security forces will oversee this process, eventually taking over full control, which will also pave the way for the withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces,” he continued.

Blair remarked on the unprecedented challenge of dismantling the military infrastructure in Gaza, highlighting the extensive network of tunnels and arms manufacturing capabilities. He stated, “To govern effectively, the new government must systematically eliminate this infrastructure. Hamas has tentatively agreed to this.” However, he emphasized that the immediate challenge lies in transforming this verbal agreement into a credible, actionable plan.